Root Canal Therapy (endodontic therapy) is the treatment of the dental pulp. Dental pulp consists of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that support odontoblastic cells and provide internal sensory and metabolic function to the interior of the teeth. The pulp is the innermost part of the tooth. It fits snugly within and is protected by the strong dentinal layer of the tooth. The functional cells of the pulp are the odontoblasts, which produce dentin throughout the life of the tooth, creating a progressively thickened dentinal wall. Common injuries of the dental pulp include traumatic injuries due to concussive shock, thermal injuries, and infectious injuries.

Endodontic treatment is indicated to preserve a tooth when: A fracture of the crown exposes the pulp chamber. A cavity has perforated the pulp chamber. A pulpal injury is present that results in hemorrhage or dead tissue either in an open or a closed pulp chamber. A pulpal or root tip abscess of the tooth is present.

An insult to the pulp has occurred during a restorative or dental procedure. Periodontal disease extends to the root tip, resulting in a pulpal infection. A tooth root experiences interrupted and incomplete development.

Root canal therapy is performed by removing all of the tissue from the inside of the pulp chamber, disinfecting it, applying a sealer to the inside, placing filler into the canal and finally by closing the access hole with a hard filling.

The restoration, or filling, can either be a light cured filling material or a metal crown.